Why Your Body Needs Zinc

About half of the American population today is deficient in zinc according to research released by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Why is this such a huge problem?

Mineral deficient soil, chemical fertilization, excess fast-acting carbohydrates in our diets like sweetened and artificially flavored foods, and the way our foods are processed are some of the problems that have led to zinc deficiency.

Considered to be a “major player”, zinc is thought to be crucial in cell growth, cell repair, immune response, enzyme production, DNA repair, balancing your blood sugar, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, infant and child development, brain function, and hormone balance. It also helps in the maintenance of your senses of smell and taste.

There are more biological roles for zinc than for all other trace elements put together. Adults over age 70, young children and female teenagers, and women who are taking a calcium supplement due to osteoporosis, seem to suffer the most from an inadequate zinc intake.

Also, taking a Zinc supplement may be very helpful for expecting mothers because zinc is essential for the development of the fetus.

Some common signs of zinc deficiency include chronic infection and disease, white spots on fingernails, hair and weight loss, wounds that are slow to heal, and skin conditions like rashes.

Zinc is naturally present in foods like beans, nuts, mushrooms, spinach, green vegetables, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, liver, and seafood. The zinc from animal sources is better absorbed by your body. The recommended daily allowance is 11 mg for men and 8 mg per day for women.